A Vancouver resident with a history of mental health-related interactions with authorities, was apprehended at the scene by police and festival attendees
Vancouver, B.C. — A vibrant celebration of Filipino heritage in Vancouver turned into a scene of horror and heartbreak on April 26, 2025, when a car plowed into a crowd at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival, killing 11 people and injuring at least 32 others.
The attack, which unfolded just after 8 p.m. on East 43rd Avenue, is now considered the deadliest in Vancouver’s history and one of the worst vehicle-ramming incidents in Canada.
The festival, organized by Vancouver’s large Filipino community,
was meant to honor Lapu-Lapu, a national hero of the Philippines,
and to showcase cultural pride through music, food, and dance.
Thousands had gathered, with food trucks lining the street and families enjoying the spring evening. Among the attendees were children and elders, with the victims ranging in age from 5 to 65.
Witnesses described the sudden chaos as a black Audi SUV maneuvered around a temporary barrier and accelerated into the crowd. “It was like a war zone… There were bodies all over the ground,” recalled one attendee. Others reported hearing what sounded like explosions as the vehicle struck festivalgoers, sending people running in panic.
First responders and bystanders rushed to help the injured, using tables as makeshift stretchers while paramedics fought to save lives amid the devastation. Videos and images from the scene showed a street littered with debris, a damaged SUV, and emergency crews working urgently.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, a Vancouver resident with a history of mental health-related interactions with authorities, was apprehended at the scene by police and festival attendees. He has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, though the investigation is ongoing and more charges may be added. Authorities have stated there is no indication the attack was an act of terrorism, and the suspect is believed to have acted alone.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his deep sorrow, calling the incident “devastating” and extending condolences to the victims, their families, and the Filipino Canadian community. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim described the tragedy as “horrific” and offered support to all those affected. “Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son or a daughter. Those families are living every family’s nightmare,” Carney said.
The Filipino BC community group, which organized the festival, released a statement expressing profound heartbreak: “We are still finding the words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy. We are devastated for the families and victims.”
Police have confirmed that a risk assessment was conducted before the event, and no threats were identified. However, officials are reviewing all aspects of the festival’s planning and security in light of the tragedy. Interim Police Chief Steve Rai emphasized the lasting impact: “The actions of a single person shattered our collective sense of safety. It is impossible to overstate how many lives have been impacted forever by this lone individual.”
The investigation remains active, with authorities urging witnesses and anyone with information to come forward. The city of Vancouver, alongside Canada’s Filipino community, is united in grief as it grapples with the aftermath of this senseless act. Vigils and support efforts are being organized as the city mourns those lost and prays for the recovery of the injured.
Vancouver Filipino Festival Turns Tragic: 11 Killed in Car Attack (May 2, 2025)
#VancouverTragedy #FilipinoFestival #LapuLapuDay #VancouverNews #CommunityMourning #FestivalAttack #CityInShock #RememberingVictims #StandWithVancouver
Tags: Vancouver, Filipino festival, car attack, Lapu-Lapu Day, mass casualty, tragedy, Canada, community, public safety, mental health, police investigation, festival, vehicle-ramming, deaths, injuries
Discover more from The Stewardship Report
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
